Ivan William HAPE

Obituary for Ivan Hape

29 June 1928 - 13 March 2026

Haere rā e te rangatira, e te pou o tō whānau me tō iwi.

Haere ki te kāinga o ngā tūpuna.

Moe mai rā i roto i te rangimārie.

With deep sadness, our family announces the passing of Ivan Hape, our much loved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected kaumātua of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua.

Ivan lived a long and remarkable life committed to his whānau, grounded in service to his people and community. Born and raised in Dannevirke, he spent his life working the land. Shearing and farming reflected a deep connection to the whenua and the values that shaped his life: perseverance, humility, and respect for others.

In 1948 he married Theo. Their partnership spanned more than seven decades, during which they raised their family and built a home defined by love, strength, and enduring commitment.

Beyond his role within the family, Ivan devoted much of his life to the wellbeing of his iwi and community. As a respected kaumātua of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua, he played an important role in the long journey toward justice and recognition through the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process. He stood alongside Theo and his daughter, Josephine, carrying that responsibility with authority and patience, always mindful that the work being undertaken was not only for the present generation but for those who would follow.

Sport was also an important part of Ivan’s life. In his younger years he was a keen rugby player before later turning his attention to golf, a game he continued to enjoy well into his later years. Through golf he formed lifelong friendships and became closely involved in Māori golf, including helping organise the first national Māori Golf Tournament. The sport brought together Māori communities from across the country and became an important national gathering. Ivan took great pride in supporting and growing that tradition. 

Ivan believed deeply in the importance of fairness, perseverance, and unity. Reflecting on the many years it took to reach important milestones for his people, he often remarked that the longer the journey, the more meaningful the destination. That belief in fairness and the strength of collective effort defined his outlook on life and the hopes for the future of his people. 

Those who knew Ivan will remember his steady presence, his generosity, and the pride he took in his whānau and his people. He valued the simple things: time spent together, stories shared across generations, and the responsibility of leaving the world better than he found it.

Ivan’s passing leaves a deep space in our hearts, but his legacy lives on through the whānau he nurtured and the communities he strengthened. Ivan epitomised a generation that carried the responsibilities of whānau, Iwi, and country, with humility and quiet determination. 

Our family is grateful for the love and support that has already begun to flow from across the country. In the coming days we will gather to honour Ivan’s life, share memories, and farewell him with the respect he deserves.

Ivan is survived by his wife, Theo, his children Diann and Tony, his grandchildren Jordan, Matthew, and Aaron, and his great-grandchildren Manaia and Taina. His daughter Josephine predeceased him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Ivan will lie in repose at his home, 181 Aerodrome Road, Dannevirke. Those wishing to pay their respects are welcome between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm on Sunday 15 March and Monday 16 March.

Karakia will be held at 7.00 pm on Sunday 15 March. On Monday evening at 7.00 pm there will be a final gathering, followed by poroporaki.

A service to celebrate Ivan’s life will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Allardice Street,  Dannevirke, on Tuesday 17 March at 1.30 pm, followed by burial at Kaitoke Urupā.

For those that wish to offer a koha, you may use the details below: M Heward 03-1395-0193541-002

Haere rā e te rangatira. 

Haere, haere, haere atu rā.